Volunteering scheme in Wisbech

A ground-breaking Wisbech wide time credit scheme has launched adding spice to volunteering in the town.

People volunteering for Spice Time Credits can give their time to help their community and in return they can receive time credits to spend on activities, events and leisure services.

The Wisbech initiative is the first time such a scheme has been introduced in Cambridgeshire and follows a successful pilot last year in the town. The pilot recruited around 130 volunteers contributing 1,300 hours of time to help their community.

The launch involved volunteers sharing skills by running arts and crafts workshops in Somers Car Park and an arts project to draw a Wisbech hero at the Horsefair. There was also a special event in the afternoon for local people, volunteers, local businesses, venues, community organisations and groups where they can find out more about the programme.

People using the scheme can help their community by giving their time to projects and organisations and as a thank you receive time credits. These can be used to access events, training and leisure services, such as The Light Cinema, Elgoods Gardens and New Vision Fitness Centre or to trade time with neighbours. The programme is being run by Spice, a social enterprise specialising in time credits and is funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and CHS Group. The scheme will also be rolled out across the county over the next three years.

The scheme would like to hear from local organisations and volunteers as they may be able to benefit from the scheme. For more information about Spice Time Credits and to take part, contact Annie Moulds on 07429 438383 or email anniemoulds@justaddspice.org

Annie Moulds, Cambridgeshire Time Credits Facilitator for Spice in Wisbech, said “It’s great to have launched Time Credits in Wisbech. The scheme is a great way to recognise volunteers for all they give to their communities in terms of time, skills and value.”